Image credited to National Hurricane Center
Hurricane reconnaissance aircraft has found a closed low level circulation along with sustained winds of up to 60 mph. Therefore, the National Hurricane Center (NHC) has upgraded the disturbance to Tropical Storm Matthew. At present a number of the Windward Islands have already made preparations and are awaiting the effects of Tropical Storm Mathew. Gradual strengthening is forecast during the next couple of days, and Matthew could become a hurricane by Friday.
A tropical storm warning is in effect for Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, Dominica, Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
At 1100 AM, the NHC indicated that the centre of Tropical Storm Matthew was located near latitude 13.4 North, longitude 60.7 West. Matthew is moving toward the west near 21 mph.Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 205 miles primarily to the northeast of the centre and the estimated minimum central pressure is 1008 mb. A westward motion with some decrease in forward speed is expected during the next couple of days. On the forecast track, the center of Matthew will move through the Windward Islands during the next couple of hours, and move over the eastern Caribbean Sea through Friday. It is not expected to have any significant impacts on the BVI.
EXPECTED CONDITIONS FOR THE BVI
Squally conditions could spread to the BVI on Thursday morning bringing with it showers and gusty winds. Seas are deteriorating hence marine warnings are in effect and residents should avoid beaches until the system passes on Friday.
Disclaimer: The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is not an official Meteorological Office. The Information disseminated by the Department is gathered from a number of professional sources used or contracted by the DDM to provide such information. This information is to be used as a guide by anyone who has interest in local weather conditions. By no means can the DDM or the BVI Government be held accountable by anyone who uses this information appropriately for legal evidence or in justification of any decision which may result in the loss of finances, property or life.
